I’m blessed to have long, strong natural nails. I’ve done them myself since I was a teen, yet many times I’m asked what nail salon I frequent. I’ve found that polish doesn’t matter much. I’ve used everything from OPI to NYC. What does matter is the nail treatment.

My secret weapon is Nailtiques. I hate to call it a miracle product, but truly, it is! Broken nails, peeling nails, weak nails, nails that simply will not grow—this is the product for you. It will even work for those transitioning away from artificial nails.

Nailtiques comes in Formula 1, 2, and 3. I have always used the Formula 2. It’s clear in color and I use it as both a base and top coat. With regular use—give it at least a month—great improvement will be visible.

 

Do you have problem nails?

I love to see what kind of makeup other ladies like, so I’m sharing what I use, both makeup and tools. The above picture is of my makeup organizer. I’ve had this since 1993; it’s still going strong and will forever (presumably). If memory serves me correctly, it was purchased at the now-defunct Ames. (Any of my New England readers remember Ames stores?)

These are my daily products. I have much more, but it’s not all in circulation. I’ll start with tools.

* Estee Lauder Blush brush

* Sonia Kashuk lash comb/brush

* Shu Uemura eye curler

* mini scissors, straight & manicure

* nail clippers, 1 standard, 1 curved for toes

* Sephora sharpener

* Goody spin pins (to put my hair up while applying)

* Revlon slanted tweezers

Now, the makeup:

* Maybelline Fit Me foundation, shade  “110”

* Loreal eye shadow quad, shade “Earthscapes” (was discontinued, so will have to switch soon.)

* Revlon Blush, Shade “Peony”

* Elizabeth Arden brow powder, Shade “Fawn”

* Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara, Shade “Blackest Black”

* Mac Lipglass, Shade “Viva Glam VI”

* Ulta Superstay lip gloss, Shade “Pink Shimmer”

* Covergirl Gloss Balm, Shade “Pinot”

* Smashbox lipliner, Shade “Camera”

* Maybelline Baby Lips balm (No color, used before bed)

* Physician’s Formula automatic eyeliner, Shade “Dark Brown”

As you can see, I do a mix of drugstore and department store. I prefer the designer stuff, but I get endless deals with coupons. It all works about the same, in my opinion!

 

What kind of makeup do you use?

 

 

Soap is something most of us use multiple times per day. Over time, it can certainly add up. Here are a few ways that I save on soap:

1. Choose liquid over bars:  The initial cost of bars is cheaper than liquid; however, they quickly disintegrate into a puddle of soap scum mush. Every drop of liquid can be used.

2. Refills:  If you already have dispensers, they’re cheaper to refill vs. replace. You can buy off-brand dish detergent/liquid soap in full size containers. They don’t last forever, but can be refilled at least 3-4 times. Every once in awhile, I can get a great deal on dispensers like the ones here.

3. Water down the soap:  With a foaming soap, you can use 1/3 soap mixed into 2/3 water.

4.  Use foaming dispensers: this will stretch your soap at least by 50% more.

As always, buy the soap with a coupon while on sale if possible. Softsoap and Dial tend to be heavily discounted by all the drugstores.

 

What kind of soap do you like?